Anne Bronte, the youngest member of the Bronte literary family, is recognized for her novels Agnes Grey (1847) and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848), as well as her poetry. She had a fondness for Scarborough, particularly the sea, which she observed from the window of Wood's Lodgings on Long Room Street.
Like her sister Emily and many others at the time, Anne developed tuberculosis, a serious and often fatal illness. As her health deteriorated, she realized her condition was grave. Defying her family's concerns, she convinced her friend Ellen Nussey to accompany her to Scarborough, believing that a change of scenery would be beneficial.
Anne's sister Charlotte was initially hesitant and tried to dissuade her from making the trip. However, she eventually honored Anne's decision and joined her and Ellen on what turned out to be Anne's final journey.
St Mary’s churchyard
Anne’s Bronte grave
Upon arriving at 2 The Cliff, known as 'Wood's Lodgings,' Anne was in poor health, prompting her friends to call a doctor. The physician's prognosis was bleak, indicating that death was imminent. Anne accepted this news calmly and found comfort in prayer. She passed away on May 28, 1849.
Charlotte wished for Anne's funeral to take place at the parish church of St Mary in Scarborough, but renovations were not feasible at the time. Instead, Anne was laid to rest in St Mary’s churchyard, overlooking the sea she cherished. Charlotte arranged for a headstone made of Cloughton stone, featuring an urn over two books and a simple inscription: ‘Here lie the remains of Anne Bronte, daughter of the Rev. R. Bronte, Incumbent of Haworth, Yorkshire. She died on 28 May 1849.’ Upon a later visit, Charlotte discovered five errors on the headstone, including one that incorrectly stated Anne's age as 28 rather than 29. It took 164 years for Anne's correct age to be acknowledged, while the other three mistakes remain unrecorded.
New Plaque, Anne’s Bronte
Anne’s Bronte grave
In 1960, the Vicar of Scarborough proposed exhuming Anne’s remains and relocating her grave closer to the parish church, noting that such actions were not uncommon. Scarborough Corporation declined this suggestion but decided to enhance the area by creating a garden around her grave. Following the improvements, a ceremony attracted many visitors, with prayers led by the Queen’s Chaplain, Canon GWO Addleshaw.
In 2013, the Bronte Society installed a plaque next to the original headstone to ensure that future visitors could read the inscription on Anne’s grave. People continue to honor Anne Bronte, remembered as a pioneering literary figure who opened doors for female writers worldwide.
Anne’s Bronte
St Mary’s church, Anne’s Bronte
People continue to pay their respects to Anne Bronte, who is remembered as one of the first literary genii who paved the way for female writers worldwide
Anne’s Bronte grave overlooking the sea
St Mary’s churchyard overlooking the sea